A&R Executive and Global Strategist
Executive, Artist, and Entrepreneur bridging the worlds of music, culture, and technological innovation with a decade of experience at Warner Music Group and an MBA from Kellogg Graduate School of Management.
About
I've spent the last decade building at the intersection of music, culture, and tech—discovering artists, launching labels, and turning creative vision into commercial reality across Asia and beyond. My work isn't just about finding hits; it's about understanding movements before they happen and building platforms that amplify voices the industry overlooks.
At Warner Music Group, I didn't just do A&R—I built ecosystems. I founded Asiatic Records, the first pan-Asian hip-hop label, because I saw a gap between where the culture was going and where the business was stuck. I launched The Regionals, the first-ever pan-Asia hip-hop cypher series, because I believe in giving artists stages before the mainstream catches up. My approach is simple: find the signal in the noise, back artists with conviction, and build infrastructure that lasts.
I'm bilingual in English and Mandarin, which isn't just a skill—it's how I think. Eastern and Western markets don't need translation; they need people who can operate natively in both. I've got an MBA from Kellogg, but what matters more is that I can produce a track, close a deal, and keynote a conference in the same week. I'm an executive who makes music and an artist who understands margins. That's the edge.
A&R Portfolio: Songs I've Developed
From discovering breakthrough artists to developing chart-topping hits across Asia, this playlist showcases the diverse catalog of music I've A&R'ed throughout my career at Warner Music Group. Each track represents artists I believed in, nurtured, and helped bring to the world stage.
Career
Warner Music Asia (Hong Kong)
Vice President of A&R
- Led A&R strategy across Asia-Pacific region, discovering and developing breakthrough artists
- Founded Asiatic Records, Warner Music's first pan-Asian hip-hop label, featuring artists like Ramengvrl
- Spearheaded The Regionals, the first-ever pan-Asia hip-hop cypher series in partnership with HipHopDX Asia
- Built strategic partnerships with regional platforms and stakeholders to expand market reach
- Managed multi-million dollar A&R budgets and drove revenue growth through innovative artist development
Warner Music Group (New York)
Senior Manager of Revenue and Repertoire Assurance
- Optimized revenue streams and protected repertoire across multiple territories
- Developed data-driven strategies for catalog exploitation and rights management
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to maximize commercial opportunities
- Implemented best practices for revenue tracking and reporting systems
Consulting & Speaking
Snafu Records, Songfund
MBA Summer Associate - Stockholm, Sweden
Conducted market analysis and strategic planning for Nordic music ventures, focusing on emerging artist development and digital distribution strategies.
ESF Leadership Conference
Keynote Speaker - Hong Kong (2024)
Delivered keynote address at English School Foundation annual conference on music industry innovation and leadership in the digital age.
SXSW Australia
Organized international artist showcases and moderated industry expert panels, facilitating cross-cultural music exchange between Asian and Western markets.
Wesleyan University
Selected to teach full-credit course: "From Afrika Bambaataa to Azealia Banks: The Social Theory of American Rap Lyrics" - examining the cultural and sociological impact of hip-hop music.
Skills & Expertise
A&R & Development
Talent scouting, creative direction, career strategy, and partnership building with a proven track record across multiple markets.
Strategic Planning
Market analysis, business development, revenue optimization, and cross-cultural collaboration in the global music industry.
Languages
English (Native)
Mandarin Chinese (Professional Fluency)
Technical Tools
Microsoft Excel, Logic Pro, Music Production Software, Data Analytics Platforms
Music
Latest Music Video
Shai Buren on Spotify
Stream my latest tracks and follow for new releases
Press
2026
Received MBA from Kellogg Graduate School of Management
Graduated from Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management with a Major in Finance.
2024
Meet the MBA Class of 2026: David Stouck, Northwestern University Kellogg
Spotlight on David's journey to Kellogg School of Management, bridging music and business.
Inside Warner Music Asia: What Does A&R Really Do?
An in-depth look at David's team at Warner Music Asia and the vital role of A&R in discovering talent.
2023
Warner Music Strikes Landmark Album Deal with Chinese Superstar Lay Zhang
Music Business Worldwide covers Warner Music China's groundbreaking partnership with EXO member and solo artist Lay Zhang.
Special Judge for Thailand National High School Band Competition
Served as special judge for the Power Band Project, Thailand's national high school band competition sponsored by King Power.
2022
HipHopDX Asia Launches The Regionals: First-Ever Pan-Asia Cypher Series
Warner Music and HipHopDX Asia unveil The Regionals, celebrating hip-hop culture across Asia.
2021
Warner Music Launches New Asian Hip-Hop Label Asiatic Records
Major announcement of Asiatic Records, featuring Indonesian rapper Ramengvrl as the inaugural signing.
Warner Music Launches Asiatic Records Asian Rap Label
Billboard covers the launch of Warner Music's strategic initiative to champion Asian hip-hop voices.
Warner Music Launches Hip-Hop Label Asiatic Records
NME announces the creation of Asiatic Records with Ramengvrl on the roster.
2020
Executive Turntable: Warner Music Asia Promotions
Billboard announces David Stouck's appointment in Warner Music Asia's executive team.
David Stouck Named Regional Director A&R at Warner Music Asia
Music Business Worldwide covers David's appointment as Regional Director of A&R.
Let's Connect
Whether you're looking to collaborate on a project, discuss opportunities, or simply connect about music and innovation, I'd love to hear from you.